Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Showing episodes and shows of

Jody Livingston

Shows

Youth Ministry Booster
Youth Ministry BoosterWhy Youth Ministers Quit and How to Stay: Staying Power w/ Jody LivingstonSend us a textHave you ever wondered why it seems so many youth ministers quit or leave around the three-year mark? In this candid conversation with longtime youth ministry veteran and author Jody Livingston, we talk the secret to youth ministry longevity. It's 2 old friends with personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and practical insights that are meant to encourage youth ministers young and old. Fresh and wizened. In Staying Power, Jody Livingston shares his journey of ministry longevity through the lens of his passion for Volkswagen buses and how he navigated cha...
2025-08-1444 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH150: What Youth Ministers Need to Last: The Story Behind Staying PowerIn this special 150th episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Chris Trent returns to the show—but this time, he’s asking the questions. Chris interviews Jody Livingston about his new book, Staying Power: 10 Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry. Together, they talk about the heart behind the book, what led Jody to write it, and why staying in youth ministry is more possible—and more important—than ever. This conversation is packed with honest reflections, encouragement, and practical advice for youth workers who want to serve with faithfulness for the long haul. ...
2025-07-101h 02Youth Ministry Soulkeeper
Youth Ministry SoulkeeperEpisode 44: What It Takes To Stay: Jody Livingston on Ministry LongevitySummary:In this compelling episode, hosts James and Todd sit down with Jody Livingston, a veteran youth pastor with over 26 years of ministry experience, to unpack the vital theme of longevity in youth ministry. Drawing from his personal journey and the insights found in his book, Staying Power: Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry, Jody shares candid stories, hard-earned wisdom, and practical encouragement for youth leaders who want to go the distance. Takeaways:*Jody has 26 years of experience in youth ministry. *Longevity in youth ministry is crucial for personal and...
2025-07-0455 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH149: Reaching Gen Z in a Post-Christian CultureIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody is joined by RJ McCauley to talk about what it really takes to reach the next generation—and why calling students to more than just showing up matters now more than ever. RJ shares lessons from years in youth ministry and gives practical advice on connecting with Gen Z in meaningful ways. They discuss the importance of gospel clarity, the hunger students have for truth, and how to create environments that move students from passive consumers to passionate followers of Jesus. WHAT YOU’LL LEAR...
2025-06-0350 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH147: What Every Youth Pastor Needs to Know About Middle SchoolersIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Ashley Bohinc, a leader with over 22 years of experience working with middle schoolers, to talk about how to communicate effectively with this unique age group. Middle schoolers aren’t just “younger high schoolers” or “older kids”—they require a specific approach to teaching, engaging, and discipling them well. Ashley shares key insights into breaking down messages for middle schoolers, avoiding common mistakes, and making youth ministry environments more engaging. If you’ve ever struggled with getting middle schoolers to listen, connect, or apply what you’re te...
2025-01-3045 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH146: Helping Parents Understand Today’s Youth CultureIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Walt Mueller, founder of the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU), to discuss how youth pastors can better understand and respond to today’s rapidly changing youth culture. They explore the unique challenges students face, strategies for equipping parents, and how youth leaders can stay current without compromising biblical faithfulness. Walt shares insights on balancing relevance with truth, addressing issues like online gambling and social media addiction, and empowering parents to navigate cultural trends with wisdom and discernment. This episode is packed wi...
2025-01-2354 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH145: The Challenges and Joys of Being a Volunteer Youth MinisterIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Jody sits down with Ben Compton, a volunteer youth leader with nine years of experience building a thriving ministry while working full-time. Ben shares his journey of balancing work, family, and ministry, offering practical advice for volunteer leaders on how to manage time, recruit volunteers, and stay focused on discipleship. What you’ll learn The unique challenges and benefits of volunteer youth ministry leadership. How to balance ministry, work, and family effectively. The importance of efficient time management and saying no when necessary. Tips for recruiting an...
2025-01-1648 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH143: Staying the Course: Longevity and Mental Health in MinistryIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores the crucial topic of mental health and longevity in youth ministry. Jeff Glenn, a veteran youth pastor with over 26 years of experience, shares in this episode practical ways to manage stress, avoid burnout, and thrive in ministry. What you’ll learn: How to prioritize your spiritual and mental health for long-term success in ministry. The role of accountability and networking in sustaining resilience. Practical strategies for managing stress and navigating team dynamics. Why rediscovering your calling can reignite your passion for ministry. How to su...
2024-12-1953 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH142: Moving Students from Consumers to DisciplesIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Dr. Dave Coryell to discuss his new book, Less Like Hippos, More Like Honeybees. They explore how to move students from passive consumers of faith to active participants who live for Christ every day. Dr. Coryell shares practical insights on empowering students, shifting the culture of youth ministry, and creating lasting spiritual impact. What you’ll learn: How to empower students to live out their faith 24/7, not just during youth group. Practical steps to move students from being passive consumers to active le...
2024-12-1259 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH141: 10 Common Youth Ministry Traps and How to Avoid ThemIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores 10 common youth ministry mistakes—and how to avoid them. These traps, from focusing too much on attendance to neglecting personal spiritual health, can hinder the growth and effectiveness of your youth group. Jody shares practical strategies to help youth pastors build sustainable ministries that thrive. What you'll learn: How to move from measuring attendance to fostering deeper engagement. Tips to empower volunteers and avoid leadership bottlenecks. Balancing fun with meaningful discipleship and teaching. Partnering with parents for effective youth ministry. Setting clear goals and welcoming feedback for ministry gr...
2024-12-0532 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH140: Developing Student Leaders in Youth Ministry—Best Practices for ImpactIn this episode, Jody and Doug Franklin explore the intricacies of student leadership and the importance of developing leadership skills among youth. Doug shares his journey in youth ministry, emphasizing the need for leadership development resources and the significance of understanding each student's unique gifts and wiring. They discuss the process of leadership development, the role of empathy, and the common mistakes youth workers make in fostering leadership in their ministries. Doug advocates for a holistic approach to leadership that includes understanding one's mission and the importance of serving others. Doug shares insights on developing student leaders in youth ministry...
2024-11-2153 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH139: AI Tools for Youth Pastors—What to Use and What to AvoidIn this episode, Jody and Ryan Sebastian, from the Youth and Culture Podcast, discuss the intersection of AI and youth ministry, exploring how AI tools can enhance communication, streamline content creation, and improve overall ministry effectiveness. Ryan shares his journey in youth ministry, the challenges faced, and the innovative ways AI can be utilized to support youth pastors and church leaders. They delve into practical applications of AI, including writing emails, generating graphics, and creating small group questions, while also addressing potential pitfalls and ethical considerations. In this conversation, Ryan and Jody explore the role of AI in ministry, discussing...
2024-11-1448 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH137: Loneliness in Youth Ministry—Why So Many Feel Isolated and What to Do About ItIn this conversation, Jody and Zach Wyatt discuss the issue of loneliness in youth ministry and the importance of building community. They highlight the challenges faced by youth pastors and the need for support and connection. They provide practical steps for combating loneliness, such as networking with other youth pastors and finding local associations or denominations. They emphasize the importance of humility, intentionality, and protecting time for meaningful conversations. They also address the issue of sharing in a network and offer guidance on what to share and what to keep confidential. Finally, they discuss the unique challenges of finding community...
2024-10-3153 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH135: Essentials for Large Church Youth MinistryIn this episode, Jody and Shay Osborne discuss the challenges and strategies for effective large church youth ministry. They provide practical insights and advice for navigating the unique dynamics of large church youth ministry. They cover the importance of community and building authentic relationships. Shay shares insights and personal experiences that highlight the benefits of being part of a supportive community. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni Getting Things Done by David Allen JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group
2024-02-0146 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH134: Multi-Site Youth MinistryIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Abram Haley joins Jody and they discuss the experiences, challenges, and benefits of working in a multi-campus youth ministry setting. Abram Haley joins us to discuss various topics, including communication challenges, managing teams, handling large-scale events, issues with volunteers and teams, and teaching methodologies. You'll also hear insights into the complexities involved in multi-site ministry, the perception of larger churches, and the importance of collaboration among churches. We dive into our experiences in youth ministry, share tricks on how to handle large groups, and provide resources to help you grow...
2024-01-2550 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH133: Navigating Bi-Vocational Youth MinistryIn this episode of the Longer Haul in Youth Ministry, Tommy Burkhart joins Jody on the show to discuss their experiences and insights into working as bi-vocational youth pastors. They dive into the core challenges in bi-vocational youth ministry, such as time management, financial constraints, and balancing expectations. They also discuss the advantages such as developing practical life skills, building relationships outside the church, and inviting participation in everyday activities to foster meaningful ministry. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:31 The Importance of Subscribing to the Podcast 00:42 Introduction to the Series on Different Contexts of Youth Ministry 00:55 Discussion on Bi-vocational Ministry 01:14 Future Topics...
2024-01-1852 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH114: Youth Ministry Beyond the “In-Person” GatheringOver the past year, youth ministry has been one of constant reimagining. We've made plans, to make plans, only to make plans again. The "in-person" gathering is no longer a given. Turns out a global pandemic makes an in-person gathering difficult at best...impossible at worst. This has caused many of us to rethink our ministries beyond the in-person gathering.  So in this episode, we bring on Jackson Arnett who serves with Jody as the online ministry director to talk all things "beyond the in-person gathering." Whether you're just figuring it out, needing more ideas, or running strong in this a...
2021-01-2549 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH111: Helping Gen Z Navigate Life in a PandemicThe generation of students we’re all ministering to right now is going through unprecedented times… or are they? More on that in a minute. Ok, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us. Like you, Jody and I have been trying to navigate doing youth ministry in COVID and learning new rhythms for how we do life. That said, we’re back! And we’re back BIG! In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Tim Elmore as he shares with us about his new book, The Pandemic Population. This...
2020-09-2151 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH109: Youth Ministry After QuarantineI think it is safe to say we're all tired of doing youth ministry under quarantine... In this episode, Chris had the chance to jump on (yet another) Zoom call with our friends at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board to talk through post quarantine opportunities you need to consider for your youth ministry.  It's packed with some really practical thoughts you should be considering now as you're processing what "back to normal" should look like. (Also, you'll hear Chris rant on a bit about Zoom fatigue.  Worth listening just for this) JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Lon...
2020-05-251h 11Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH108: Listener Episode! What We’re All Going ThroughWE LOVE OUR LISTENERS!!! Because our listeners LOVE teenagers! Last week we got a bunch of YOU together for a zoom call where we talked about what we're all going through. It turned out to be a great episode as we heard from listeners from different parts of the country. We talk about a little bit of everything in this episode, but perhaps the reason it turned out so great is that it was a Zoom room full of folks that are living and breathing youth ministry. In a time like this, it's great to have a support group. We'd...
2020-04-211h 06Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH107: Recovering from Illness and from Social DistancingA couple of weeks ago Chris got word through social media that his friend, Patrick Thompson, like many, right now had gotten sick. It was super encouraging to hear over the last few days that he has recovered and is doing much better. Patrick and Chris have been friends for over 10 years now from back when he was a youth pastor living in Georgia. Patrick and his family were called as church planters to New York City almost 8 years ago and Chris' church has had the blessing of partnering with him a couple of times now on short term mission...
2020-04-091h 01Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH106: Youth Ministry in QuarantineLike all of you, it has been a CRAZY couple weeks for us as we've adjusted to our current normal of not meeting with teenagers in person. So, we decided to take a moment and share a quick update regarding what we're doing and what we've learned in the last couple of weeks of doing youth ministry in quarantine. We're praying for you as you lead your teenagers during these unusual days. By the way, it'd be a GREAT time to join our super secret Facebook Group... Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group LINKS...
2020-03-3032 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH105: Radical Reevaluation of Youth MinistryHave you ever wondered if we're doing all we can do to reach students for Jesus in a way that will last into their adult years? After hanging out with teenagers and trying to point them to Jesus for over 30 years now, I have and still do. Jody and I believe that part of experiencing youth ministry for the longer haul means we're willing to evaluate our methods and effectiveness on a regular basis. We both ran across an article a couple of months ago called: Time for ‘Radical Reevaluation’ of Youth Ministry by Dr. Richard Ross. Dr. Ross is a fri...
2020-03-091h 02Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH104: The Heart of FundraisingFor many youth workers, fundraising is a necessary part of helping our student experience programming that we believe could help point them to Jesus. We know that for many of our students to be able to experience events like camp, mission trips or weekend retreats, they're going to need financial help. In this interview with Bubba Crowder we get to the heart of fundraising and share some ideas on how to make fundraising most effective. We're also super excited to introduce a new sponsor with an incredible give-a-way. Be sure to listen in order to find out how you can...
2020-02-1738 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH103: The Importance of Helping Students with IdentityWe are just returning from attending a great conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We had a BLAST at Conclave! While there, we were able to sit down with some great youth ministry thinkers. Today we're sharing with you a great interview with Dr. Scott Pace where we talked about the importance of how students understand identity. Scott and Ed Newton has a great new book out called Student Ministry by the Book. In this episode we talk about his new book and also talk about the importance education plays in the life of a youth pastor. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED: Student Mi...
2020-02-0340 minYouth and Culture Podcast | Youth Ministry | Student Ministry
Youth and Culture Podcast | Youth Ministry | Student MinistryYC029: Youth Ministry For The Long Haul With Jody LivingstonLongevity in youth ministry is becoming rare. Why is longevity in youth ministry so important? This week we had an opportunity to talk with Jody Livingston about this vital topic. Jody is a Youth Ministry veteran of twenty years and currently serves as the Student Minister at High Desert Church in California. He helps equip and encourage Youth Pastors through his blog and podcast, The Longer Haul.  His passion is helping Youth Pastors create a ministry of longevity that they genuinely love. Get Connected with Jody Livingston: ·  Facebook ·  Twitter ·  ...
2020-01-101h 00Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH102: Youth Ministry Lessons Learned From the Past YearOur hope for you as 2019 comes to an end is that 2020 gets off to a great start. We can't thank you enough for trusting us with your time each week. We don't take that for granted, so we want to be sure to continue to help you accomplish your goal of experiencing longevity in youth ministry for both your current gig and potentially your lifetime. In light of that, we always want to be open to sharing with you our ups and downs in an effort to allow God to use our experiences to help spur you forward. In this e...
2020-01-0657 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH101: Family Ministry with Nick BlevinsFamily ministry can mean a lot of different things in the context of ministry. For some, it means that their entire ministry is family-focused and inclusive. For others thinking in a youth ministry context, they think of family ministry as their efforts to minister to the families of the students in their ministry. Regardless of your definition, I think we can all agree that some level of family ministry is important. In this episode, We in with Nick Blevins from the Family Ministry Podcast to talk about the impact family ministry can have on your youth ministry. LINKS MENTIONED: Family...
2019-12-021h 16Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH100: Leading in a World of DistractionHere we go! Episode 100!!! Wha what! Thanks for hanging with us and trusting us with your time. We're celebrating episode 100 with Clay Scroggins, Lead Pastor of Buckhead Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Clay is also the author of How to Lead When You're Not in Charge and a brand new book called, How to Lead in a World of Distraction. In this episode, Clay joins us to talk through how distractions impact youth ministers and what we can do about it. Trust me when I tell you, this is a good one! RESOURCES MENTIONED: How to Lead in a World of D...
2019-11-1856 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH099: Encouraging and Equipping your Youth Ministry VolunteersWe all love to be appreciated! I know I do! When it comes to volunteers in our youth ministries, we big-time need to know how to encourage and appreciate what they do for teenagers. In this episode, we interview Erin Wells. Erin works with Jody at High Desert Church in California as the Student Ministry Director. It wasn't long after Jody got to High Desert that we started talking about having her on the show. She's amazing at encouraging volunteers, so we do a deep dive into what's she's learned along the way. And of course, we add a few...
2019-10-2853 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH098: Networking in Youth MinistryIt's safe to say that the reason Jody and I are doing the Longer Haul Podcast together is that we first met while attending a network meeting. We've both greatly benefited from networking with others over the years and we think you can too. In this episode, we interview Zach Wyatt, a networking guru from Chattanooga, TN who knows youth ministry and knows how to establish GREAT youth ministry networks. We talk through the success they've had in Chattanooga and learn from Zach how to implement that success in metro and rural communities. This is a fun one! LINKS MENTIONED: ...
2019-10-071h 02Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH097: Navigating your first year at a new churchWe believe in longevity, but we know that all of us eventually have to experience a transition and work for a new church. How you approach the first year of ministry at your new church is crucial. Jody recently experienced this when he left Georgia and headed to California. As he approaches the end of his first year of ministry there, he's here to talk about what that first year has been like and how we should all approach our first year of ministry at a new church. In this episode, we take a look at Navigating Your First Year...
2019-09-1657 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH096: Summer RecapWhoa! What a summer! We both had an amazing summer, but we have been BUSY! If you're like us, you LOVE summer youth ministry. But by the end of summer, you're completely worn out. Youth ministry without a summer, though? NO THANKS! In this episode, we take a look at what we've been up to all summer and we couldn't help but to throw a few tips in along the way. LINKS MENTIONED: Episode 069 Graphic Design Help JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR! ym360.com YM...
2019-08-0548 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH095: Discipling Students During Short Term MissionsWe love student mission trips! Sometimes those trips are fairly close to home and sometimes they're super far away, but they're almost always incredible. There is something about getting kids outside of their comfort zone that can be truly life-changing. Giving them the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others is giving them the opportunity to live out the great commission that we're all called to follow. But what do we do to leverage that experience in their lives to create long-lasting change in the way they're following Jesus? It's important that we consider doing much more than j...
2019-07-0841 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH094: Raising Kids in Youth MinistryAlmost 19 years ago, Wendy and I (Chris) had our first kid. I remember being overwhelmed at the thought of being a Dad. We had no idea what we were doing and we had no idea how it was going to impact our being in youth ministry. It's been quite a ride these last 19 years. Last month, that soon to be 19 year old graduated from High School. He's grown up in youth ministry and been on practically as many youth ministry trips as I have. Jody and I decided to have him on so Jody could get some dirt on me...
2019-06-2454 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH093: Youth Ministry Budgeting 101Under the category of "things you didn't know you'd have to know as a youth pastor"... Budgeting. Whether having to create a budget, maintain a budget or fundraise to get a budget, youth pastors have to become proficient in the skill of budgeting. Brent Baskins is a youth ministry professor at Shorter College and spends a lot of time helping youth pastors be the best they can be. When we saw a tweet he posted about budgeting, we decided to have him on. That turned out to be a great call because in this episode Brent shares great wisdom you'll w...
2019-06-1051 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH092: 5 Great Summer Youth Ministry Ideas You Can Use NowToday we're opening the youth ministry vault and sharing with you 5 great summer youth ministry ideas and here's the bonus... We both share 5 each so it ends up being 10! Plus a bonus idea, so really 11! If you're still looking for some ideas for this summer or are hoping to freshen things up in the future, this episode is for you. The secret is not so secret anymore! Our Facebook group is growing and is a great way for us to stay in contact with one another. We'd love to have you. Join our Facebook Group! Click here to join our...
2019-05-2851 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH091: Dealing with Discipline in Youth MinistryRecently on our super secret Facebook Group, we were asked to address the topic of how to deal with discipline with teenagers. We immediately loved the idea as we remembered how much of a challenge this issue has been over the years. Because we knew it was a tough topic, we decided to invite back as a special guest, veteran youth pastor Seth Buckley. The wisdom he brought to the discussion did not disappoint. So, unless your youth group is picture perfect with no behavior issues what so ever, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have an...
2019-05-061h 12Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH090: Old School Youth MinistryEpisode 90! We're pumped! We both started doing youth ministry in the '90s so we thought it'd be fun to do an episode highlighting all of the things we've seen change over the years... can you say overhead projectors??? It turned out to be a fun one with a few great tips along the way. If you didn't serve in youth ministry back then, you'll definitely be scratching your head as to how we got by. Enjoy! Speaking of what didn't exist in the '90s... Facebook Groups! We'd love to have you in ours! Click here to join our...
2019-04-1555 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH089: Staying Encouraged in Youth MinistryTrust us when we say that there comes a time in all ministry callings where something will not go your way and you will face discouragement. Don't get us wrong! We love what we get to do! Youth ministry can truly be one of the most rewarding gigs out there. But with great potential for reward comes the great potential for disappointment. When that happens, what do you do? How do you stay the course, keep your eyes on Jesus and not get discouraged? We know we don't have all the answers, but we did take time to share some...
2019-04-0849 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH088: Trusting God When Your Calling ChangesWe had a chance to sit down with teaching pastor and youth ministry communicator, Nick Person. Nick LOVES youth pastors and clearly has a heart for youth ministry. We're all likely going to face changes in our calling at some point in our ministry or at least be asked to do things that we didn't sign up to do. In this episode, Nick talks about how his journey started in youth ministry but unexpectedly led to his being a teaching pastor at his church in Tennessee. PODCAST GROUP! Come and hang out and jump in on some of our giveaways! ...
2019-04-0134 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH087: Creating and Sustaining a Thriving Youth MinistryWhen Alan Smith found out he was going to be transitioning at his church from being the youth pastor to the campus pastor, he also learned he'd be mentoring the youth pastor that took his place. Alan started mentoring his youth pastor by writing out lessons for them to look at together. Before he knew it, he had the makings of a book. So, he and his wife set out to put together Let's Go: Creating and Sustaining a Thriving Youth Ministry. In this episode, Alan talks about where the book comes from and we take time to dig into sev...
2019-03-251h 03Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH086: Within Reach an Interview with Ben TruebloodBen Trueblood knows his stuff. As the Director of Student Ministry for LifeWay Christian Resources, Ben and his team are passionate about pointing students to Jesus through everything they do. Years ago Lifeway did a study often referred to as the "drop out" study that revealed how many students leave the church when they graduate high school. If you've been in youth ministry very long, you too know that this is a reality for many students that have been through your ministry Now, they've once again taken another look at the habits of students and what's happening when they graduate hig...
2019-03-1841 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH085: How to Help Teenagers Dealing with Self-Harm and SuicideSome of our episodes and interviews can be tough. This week's episode is one of those episodes. The truth is though, that if you've been in youth ministry very long, you've probably had students in your ministry who have struggled with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Jamie Dew. Jamie is the Dean of the College at Southeastern. That sounds pretty fancy, but the thing you really need to know is that he has the heart of a youth pastor. In this episode, he'll help us to understand some of the issues facing so many...
2019-03-0735 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH084: What is a DiscipleNow?We all probably recognize the importance of discipleship when it comes to our youth ministries.  While there are a ton of different ways to approach this, we've not seen any that are more effective than a DiscipleNow. So whether you're a DiscpleNow pro or whether you have no idea what one is, you're gonna find this interview with Jon Messarra is solid gold.  Jon is the Yoda of DiscipleNow weekends so sit back take a listen and learn from the master. PODCAST GROUP! Come and hang out and jump in on some of our giveaways! Click here to join our Lo...
2019-02-2832 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH083: The Magical Impact of a Youth PastorOne of the major challenges in youth ministry is that often we can serve for years and years before we actually see fruit from the seeds we've planted in the lives of teenagers. We're convinced, though, that youth pastors ARE making a difference in the lives of teenagers and that often God uses youth pastors when they least expect it. It's often the little things done or said that can literally be used by God to impact the direction of a kid's life. Illusionist Jared Hall knows this well. Jared has traveled the world using illusions and comedy as a...
2019-02-2137 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH082: Youth Pastor Compensation SurveyWhen it comes to serving in youth ministry, it can be really challenging navigating the world of finance and salary. We often have questions like: Am I getting paid fairly? How am I supposed to support a family on what I'm making? Is it ok for me to ask for a raise? These are common questions youth pastors have and can really impact longevity in youth ministry in a negative way. There's no question that some youth pastors go from church to church to church as a result of issues with salary. Youth Pastor Dan Navarra was struggling as well w...
2019-02-0757 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH081: Longevity in Youth MinistryWe recently had the opportunity to sit down with Seth Buckley from First Baptist Spartanburg. He's been a youth pastor since 1982 and is still going strong. You'll want to listen to this interview as he gives some quick things he's learned that he believes are keys to longevity. Long story short, we love talking about longevity, but Seth... TOOK US TO SCHOOL! PODCAST GROUP! Come and hang out and jump on some of our give-a-ways! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group Links mentioned: StudentMinistryNetwork.com ymconclave.org SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR! YM360.com ...
2019-01-3140 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH080: Jimmy Fallon’s Rules for a Great Youth MinistryLet's face it. Jimmy Fallon is funny. Well, at least most of the time. Don't get us wrong. We're not making a major moral endorsement for who and what he's all about. But rather, we want to take a minute and consider how Jimmy Fallon is pretty much a youth pastor minus Jesus and a youth group. And on top of that, he does it WELL. In this episode, we talk about lessons we can learn from the Tonight Show and youth ministry programming. Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR...
2019-01-1736 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH079: Evaluating and Goal Setting in Youth MinistryIt's a new year! How are those resolutions going so far? Regardless of how you feel about New Year's resolutions, the start of a new year is always a great time to evaluate how things are going in your youth ministry and set goals for the upcoming year. In this episode, we talk about the impact Evaluating and Goal Setting has had in our youth ministries over the years. We also share some tips on how to do this if it's something you've not really done before. PODCAST GROUP! Come and hang out and jump on some of our give-a-ways! C...
2019-01-1051 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH078: UPDATE:Where have we been and where are we now?What the heck happened and where did we go? Whew! It's been a crazy few weeks and months for both of us and a little while since the last episode. We've had a ton of listeners and members of the Super Secret Podcast Group asking for an update so this episode is all about what has been happening, where we are, and what the future of the Longer Haul Podcast is.  So in this episode, we're giving you the skinny on all those details. PODCAST GROUP! Come and hang out and jump on some of our give-a-ways! Click here to j...
2018-12-2032 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH077: Finding a Youth Ministry JobSo why an episode on finding a youth ministry job? Hopefully, you know that our goal at the Longer Haul is to help you achieve longevity in youth ministry.  For us we think of this in two ways, staying in youth ministry for the longer haul, and staying at your church for the longer haul. Both of these are really important for lasting influence and joy. We also understand that the reality is you may find yourself having to look for a new position (check out episode 76), or heck, maybe even your first youth ministry job.  If that is the cas...
2018-11-0159 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH076: Reasons to Leave Youth MinistryWe, the Longer Haul Podcast team, are committed to... well... the Longer Haul. That's why we do the podcast. We know though, from experience that there are times when God makes it known that it's time to move on. There are seasons of change. The big question we all face is how do we know when it's time to leave? If God doesn't send a burning bush, how can we determine his plan regarding the current church we're serving in? These are hard questions and are often super emotional. In this episode, we tackle the reason WHY you should leave...
2018-10-181h 05Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH075: Helping Youth Find their Identity Through Jesus Colored GlassesThis weeks interview tackles identity in Christ head on. Todd Jones has written an excellent book called Jesus Colored Glasses. Besides our being jealous of his coming up with a super catchy super cool name for his book, we're pumped about this interview. Todd gets youth pastors! He's one of us! As the founder of Stoked on Youth Ministry and as a middle school pastor, he brings a lot to the discussion in our goal to experience youth ministry for the longer haul! Dig in. It's a good one. PODCAST GROUP! Come and hang out and jump on some of...
2018-09-2751 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH074: Insights into Gen ZMany of us have been guilty of thinking that the teenagers of today are pretty much like all the teenagers that have gone before them. Ahhhhh, if only it were that easy! Research tells us that there are characteristics of the current generation that we need to be aware of as we try to point them to Jesus. This podcast interview will help you dive deeper into Gen Z. We'll consider some of the things defining their generation that will impact the way you do youth ministry. Brooke Hempell is the Vice President of Research for the Barna Group and...
2018-09-201h 08Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH073: Changes in How Teens Respond to the GospelWe all want to see our students sharing their faith.  We would all love to have students leading other students to Jesus.  But what is it that is really keeping this from happening? Look we get it.  This topic isn't new...even for this podcast, but we believe it is SO ridiculously important. Our friend Greg Stier is back on the show today talking about this very thing.  In it we tackle the reasons students aren't sharing, the importance of prayer in it, how to encourage students to actually share the gospel, and what has changed in sharing the gospel with...
2018-09-061h 06Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH072: Be Soberly RemindedOver the years we've heard people say that we're only one bad decision away from disqualifying ourselves from ministry. Over and over again throughout the years we've heard of friends and peers have to quit serving in the church because of immoral decisions they've made. We admit that this podcast topic is not as fun as a podcast episode on the latest and greatest games, but this one is good reminder for all of us serving in ministry to be alert and stay on guard. Walt Mueller has been working with teenagers, equipping parents and leading youth pastors for long...
2018-08-301h 16Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH071: Partnering with Parents to Navigate a Hyper-sexualized CultureLet's face it... we live in a hyper sexualized culture! Ok, either you're giggling like a middle schooler right now or tempted to close this and move on. Stick with us for a second. Parents are overwhelmed and they need our help navigating everything that they're facing when it comes to their teens dealing with sex. Whether it's having the talk or helping them avoid massive exposure to inappropriate stuff. As youth ministry people, we need to help point them in the right direction. Barrett Johnson from I.N.F.O. for Families can help. In this interview we do...
2018-08-231h 10Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH070: All About Youth Ministry VolunteersAh, youth ministry volunteers... Doing ministry by yourself can be a lonely and unsustainable plan long-term. And let's face it, finding youth ministry volunteers can often be incredibly challenging. It's not like people are knocking down our doors wanting to work with teenagers. Here is what we know though, having volunteers is important... SUPER important. And once you find youth ministry volunteers, you have to continue to encourage, equip and value them. In this episode, we take a look at volunteers and answer listener questions from our Facebook Podcast Group. Links mentioned: The Super Secret Longer Haul Podcast Facebook Group...
2018-08-091h 06Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH069: Transitioning From Summer Youth Ministry To YOU MinistryMost of our summers are coming to a close and now a new school year of youth ministry is upon us. If you're like us, you're probably feeling a little spiritually spent after a busy summer calendar. Often it's a mixture of feeling blessed because of all the awesome stuff God did in our youth ministry and being worn out from all of the investing you've done in others. In this episode, we take a look at how we can transition from summer youth ministry into YOU ministry and give you some practical helps to make sure you're able to...
2018-08-0255 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH068: Youth Ministry in Small ChurchesDo you ever feel like your ministry is less significant because it isn't as big as others your see? Let's get real, youth ministry has enough challenges on its own without throwing in the struggle of size.  But the truth is that you can be extremely effective in youth ministries of any size. Certainly, youth ministries of all sizes bring unique advantages and challenges.  This week Stephen Hale from the Youth Ministry: Small Church podcast joins the show to specifically look at the advantages and challenges of youth ministry in small churches. Don't buy the lie.  You can absolutely be suc...
2018-07-1950 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH067: Youth Ministry When Your Church Doesn’t Like TeenagersNot everyone loves teenagers. Wait, what??? As youth ministers, it's hard for us to understand how some adults don't like teens. If you happen to be serving in a church who loves teenagers, you know the impact that can have on a student's life. If you happen to be in a church where some or maybe even a lot of adults seem to not like teenagers, you know how hard youth ministry can be. It's like you can't get any traction in your ministry. Hopefully we can help. In this episode, we spend some time-sharing ideas on how to make...
2018-07-1246 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH066: Special Needs in Youth MinistryWe all know that youth ministry has its fair share of challenges. We also know that youth pastors LOVE teenagers. All teenagers. Teenagers with special needs creates unique challenges that most youth pastors are ill equipped to handle without some help. In this episode, we ask Lynn Wilkerson some hard questions about how to effectively work with students that have special needs and how to work with parents of special needs children and teenagers. This is a GREAT and MUCH NEEDED episode for all of us. Links mentioned: The Super Secret Longer Haul Podcast Facebook Group (that you should join) ...
2018-07-051h 20Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH065: How to Lead When You’re Not in ChargeClay Scroggins, lead pastor of North Point Community Church, joins us on the show this week to talk about how to lead when you're not in charge.  Most youth pastors we've met have a pretty heavy dose of leadership built-in to who they are. With that leadership gifting comes the struggle of often being way down the leadership org chart and wishing we could make more decisions than we're currently allowed to make. We get it! It's not like people are knocking on our door asking what the youth pastor would do in any particular situation. Clay has been there a...
2018-06-2849 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH064: Tips for Leading Parent Seminars in your Youth MinistryParent meetings & seminars can be one of the most effective ways to impact the life of a teenager. Trust us! As parents of teenagers, we know how challenging it can be and how we need all the help we can get. Doing them well and getting parents to show up, however, can be a challenge... a big challenge. In this episode of the Longer Haul Podcast, we share ideas from our 20+ years of failing and succeeding in doing meetings & seminars with parents. We share tips, how to do them when you're not yet a parent of a teenager and some...
2018-06-211h 01Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH063: 25 Tips from 25 Years of Marriage While Serving in Youth MinistryChris is back this week and is joined by his lovely wife Wendy.  After just celebrating 25 years of marriage they're giving wisdom they've learned along the way by way of 25 tips from 25 years of marriage while serving in youth ministry. In this episode you'll hear honest and transparent keys that Chris and Wendy have learned over the years.  Whether you're married, want to be one day, know people who are, or just have seen people on TV who are married you'll find these 25 tips to be useful. Links mentioned: The Super Secret Longer Haul Podcast Facebook Group (that you should jo...
2018-05-311h 03Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH062: Essentials for a Youth Worship ServiceChris Trent is away this week celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary so...Ed Braswell and Phillip Higginbotham, who are a couple of youth pastors from the Super Secret Longer Haul Podcast Facebook Group join the show this week to tackle the topic of essentials for a youth worship service. In this episode we cover what you must have for your youth worship services, paying worship leaders, and how to make the most of your worship times with your students.. Links mentioned: The Super Secret Longer Haul Podcast Facebook Group (that you should join) Resources mentioned: It by Craig Groeschel In this...
2018-05-2457 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH061: Secrets to Effectively Communicating with TeenagersChad Poe joins the Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast this week to talk about effectively communicating with teenagers.  Chad brings a ton of knowledge to the table this week all while keeping you laughing. In this episode we cover what it takes to really communicate well, what it is really like to be a full-time speaker, why illustrations matter, and the four keys every sermon and lesson should have. Links mentioned: The Super Secret Longer Haul Podcast Facebook Group (that you should join) ChadPoe.com @chadpoe Resources mentioned: Clear Conference In this particular episode, you will learn: The key to i...
2018-05-171h 02Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH060: Youth Ministry Interns 101This week we're diving into the subject of youth ministry interns.  Maybe you have an intern or a few interns, but just don't know what to do with them.  Maybe you just feel you could be doing better with utilizing your interns.  Well, we've got you covered in this week's episode all about youth ministry interns. In this episode we cover how to go about hiring an intern, what to do with an intern once you've hired them, some must haves for your interns, and some words of caution.  PLUS we give you a way to utilized interns even if you...
2018-05-1156 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH059: The Importance of Youth Ministry Networks and CommunityThe importance of a youth ministry network and community for your longevity can't be overstated.  Ministry can be a lonely place and having others around you who get where you are and what you're dealing with can be extremely helpful. So we're doing a deep dive into networks with why they're important, do's and don't for them, and how to start one if there isn't one near you.  We also let you in on a little secret...announcement if you will toward the end so make sure you stick around and check it out Links mentioned: The Super Secret Longer Ha...
2018-05-0357 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH058: Maturing as a Youth PastorIn this episode Dr. Richard Ross joins us to talk about maturing as a youth pastor. Our primary aim is to help you as a youth pastor stay in youth ministry for the longer haul.  To do this means navigating maturing as a youth pastor. And when it comes to this topic, there's no one better to bring wisdom than Dr. Richard Ross.  He's the real deal and you'll quickly tell that he has forgotten more about working with teens than most of us will ever learn. So sit back and enjoy the ride today kids, because Dr. Ross is ta...
2018-04-261h 04Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH057: Great Resources for Youth MinistryGreat resources for youth ministry can be the difference between an effective youth ministry and a struggling one.  With so many out there is can be difficult to navigate them and find ones that are really helpful. In this episode we're here to help with some of our top resources that we use in our ministries.  We love finding new and helpful tools and resources to use so we'll be doing some of these with updated tools from time to time. For now we know you'll enjoy these and find them helpful. Links mentioned: Episode 002: Youth Ministry App Resources mentioned in...
2018-04-1949 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH056: Tips for Getting Organized in Youth MinistryGetting and staying organized in Youth Ministry can literally be the key to staying put for the longer haul. Since it is so important we're giving you some practical and helpful tips on getting organized in youth ministry.  For some of us (Chris) organization comes pretty easy.  For others (Jody) it doesn't. But just because it doesn't come natural doesn't mean you get a pass on being organized.  It's okay though, we're here to help.   Links mentioned: Youth Ministry Lab Episode 39: Staying Organized in Youth Ministry with Evernote Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Evernote Pensieve App Unroll.me In this parti...
2018-04-121h 05Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH055: Youth Camp 101: How to Promote, Prepare, and ParticipateYouth camp is an essential part of any youth ministry.  Getting camp right can make all the difference for your ministry. But it is the small things that can make or break you.  Since camp is so important, we've brought in the big guns on this episode! Roger Davis from Generate Camps over at YM360 joins us today to talk ALL about youth camp.  We both seriously came away with a ton of personal notes on this one. This episode is a bit longer, but it is PACKED with goodness.  You're going to want to give this one a couple list...
2018-04-051h 17Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH054: Top 10 Youth Ministry GamesYouth Ministry games are what makes youth ministry well...youth ministry.  So in this episode we're giving you our list of top 10 youth ministry games. These games are our favorites for sure.  We're giving you our best and doing our best (well trying at least) to give you the down low on how to play these go to youth ministry games.  We're also giving you our tips and tricks for leading games successfully. Give these a try with your group and let us know how they go. Links mentioned: @jodylivingston @christrent Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Longer Haul Resource Page Game...
2018-03-2954 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH053: Fundraising for Mission TripsIn this episode Bubba Crowder joins us to talk fundraising for mission trips. Let's face it.  Fundraising and Youth Ministry often go hand in hand.  Fundraising for mission trips is almost always a need. So what are some ways to effectively fundraise for mission trips?  What are some things to consider when choosing fundraising for mission trips? Bubba Crowder knows this subject well and joins us to dispense his wisdom as we dive into this important topic. Links mentioned: fundthenations.com 52treads.com  Resources mentioned in this Podcast: 12 Ways your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke In this particular episo...
2018-03-2241 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH052: Racial Diversity in Youth MinistryIn this episode Maina Mwaura joins us for an honest and direct conversation about racial diversity in youth ministry. Since racial diversity is an increasingly important issue both in youth ministry and in our culture, knowing how to navigate this issue is crucial.  In this interview you'll hear both honest questions seeking understanding, and honest answers to help us all be better in the area of racial diversity in youth ministry and beyond. In addition, we just have to say that this episode is so full of good insights, healthy perspective, and encouragement to not only help you be better i...
2018-03-151h 05Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH051: Youth Ministry with Middle School StudentsAh, middle school students... They're full of energy, goofy, often smell bad, and are tons of fun.  I think most of us are just glad to have survived middle school and are glad we never have to go back and relive those "glory days." What do we do with Middle School students in our youth ministries though, and how can we make sure they are really getting our best? In this episode we talk all about what youth ministry to middle school students looks like.  Most of all, Chris brings his years of experience to the microphone and pours out to...
2018-03-0855 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH050: BIG CHANGES, Longevity Truths, and a Live Magician (really)Episode 50 brings BIG CHANGES to the Longer Haul, we also dive into some serious truths about longevity in Youth Ministry and there is even a Live Magician (like for reals...a live magician). In this episode you'll hear about some really exciting and big changes happening at the Longer Haul.  What kind of big changes?  Well you'll just have to give a listen... I'm so excited and know that these will only help strengthen, resource, and equip youth pastors and youth workers to be more effective for the longer haul in youth ministry. And...we're giving away free stuff! Links me...
2018-03-0153 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH049: How to Deal with Criticism in Youth MinistryHow do you respond when facing criticism in youth ministry? Let's be honest, ministry can be very personal.  We generally pour ourselves into our youth ministry in practically every way.  So when there is some kind of criticism with how we are doing things, it can be really hurtful. How we deal and address any criticism in youth ministry can be the make or break moment in our longevity.  Beyond this it can be a determining factor to our own personal health and stability.  But how should we respond? In this episode I'm diving into this essential subject.  In this episo...
2018-02-2228 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH048: How to Foster an Evangelistic Youth MinistryWhat does it take to see students in your youth ministry actively and consistently sharing their faith? Getting students to live out and share their faith can be tough.  I mean let's be real, getting them to see their schools as a mission field and notice the lost around them can be difficult.  Getting them to actually share the gospel?  Well, that's another thing altogether. In this episode Greg Stier from Dare2Share Ministries offers up a ton of wisdom.  In this interview you'll learn the values that exist in an evangelistic youth ministry, what it means to be a gosp...
2017-09-2139 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH047: 6 Reasons Youth Pastors Leave Youth MinistryWhat might it be that causes you to leave youth ministry? Maybe that's easy to answer.  Maybe you feel like you're there now. There are lots of reasons you could leave youth ministry.  I've shared previously seven reasons that could be legitimate considerations. Unfortunately most of the time, it isn't these that drive us away. Youth Ministry is tough.  Really tough. And sticking it out for the longer haul is harder that one would think. In this episode I'm sharing six reasons that Youth Pastors leave youth ministry.  Sometimes it means leaving a current position for another.  Sometimes it means leavi...
2017-09-1430 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH046: When You Need a Downshift In Your Youth MinistryWhat do you do when you feel overwhelmed, on the verge of burnout, and need a downshift in your youth ministry? One of the MAJOR keys to sticking around and have longevity in your youth ministry is being able to recognize and navigate slowing down from time to time.  Sometimes slowing now allows you to do more later. In this episode Justin Knowles shares awesome practical steps to take when you need a downshift in your Youth Ministry.  In this interview you'll learn how to recognize when you need to downshift, what that looks like, and how to go about ha...
2017-05-1855 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH045: Reaching Post-Christian Students in Youth MinistryLet's be honest the culture has shifted drastically.  We can no longer assume that the teens who come into our ministry have an understanding of even the basics of the Christian faith.  This drastically changes how we minister to youth. So what are the keys to reaching these post-christian students in our youth ministries? In this episode Kolby Milton and I tackle this and more.  In this interview you'll learn the things you need to do, evaluate and consider how to reach these students in your community. Links mentioned: YouthMinistryMedia.com Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Youth Ministry in a Post...
2017-05-1142 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH044: Surviving a Downturn in Youth Ministry NumbersIf you stay in youth ministry long enough you will face a season of a downturn in your youth ministry numbers.  Knowing how to push through this and strengthen your ministry in light of it is essential.  If though you manage this well you can actually come out stronger in the end having gone through this. Managing this well helps keep you from being discouraged, helps you communicate what success really is for your ministry, and helps you strengthen those within your ministry.  It isn't a matter of if this will happen, rather it is one of when it will happe...
2016-12-2958 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH043: Secrets to a Great Guest SpeakerBringing in a guest speaker for you youth can be a great thing...or it can go terribly wrong.  So what are the secrets to a great guest speaker? In this episode Chase Snyder and I tackle this and more.  The secrets to a guest speaker aren't complicated, but they are really important.  In this interview you'll learn the things you need to do, ask, and consider BEFORE you bring them in so you can avoid disaster and make sure you bring in a great guest speaker. Links mentioned: MinistryBubble.com Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Evernote Evernote Essentials Slack Trel...
2016-12-2257 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH042: Choosing to Stay in Youth Ministry When You Can LeaveWhat happens when you choose stay in Youth Ministry when you could leave?  It won't take long serving in Youth Ministry before you will hit a point where you feel you could--or should--leave the position you're in.  Choosing to stay in Youth Ministry, and choosing to stay in your position in Youth Ministry can be really difficult. I've written about why you should stay, and why most will leave, but today you'll hear first hand what happens when choosing to stay in Youth Ministry.  It certainly isn't easy, but the payoffs can be HUGE. So, what happens when you stay? Toda...
2016-08-1150 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH041: Fighting Pornography AddictionFighting pornography addiction is a battle not to be taken lightly.  If you're in ministry it definitely affects you.  Whether in the lives of the teens you serve, their families, or maybe you're own personal struggle. It is in many cases the BIG secret that seems all too present in the lives of those we serve, and many times in those that are serving.  That there is no question that it is an epidemic. The days of having to go look for pornography are long gone making fighting pornography addiction even more difficult.  With so many carrying around a smartphone with...
2016-08-041h 03Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH040: Ministering to Introverted StudentsIn ministry we are constantly finding ourselves ministering to many different types of people.  This seems especially true in youth ministry. One group that is often lost in the mix are introverts.  Ministering to introverts brings a unique set of challenges.  Doing so effectively requires intentionality and thoughtfulness in every aspect of our ministries. Added to this the fact that many youth pastors are closet introverts who feel the pressure to be an extrovert, and suddenly we find ourselves conflicted ourselves.  Everything around us seems to be aimed at and geared toward the extrovert making ministering to introverts even more diff...
2016-07-2852 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH039: Staying Organized in Youth Ministry with EvernoteStruggle with staying organized in youth ministry?  How can you keep track of everything without going crazy along the way?  How can you keep track of all those receipts?  Wait...anyone else struggle with losing these?  No?  Just me?  Oh, okay. If you have been around the blog or the podcast for a day or two you probably know by now that I LOVE Evernote.  It literally keeps me sane...and employed. Without question Evernote is the most used tool in my toolbox.  So as you can imagine, having the guru of Evernote on the podcast today makes me a bit giddy...
2016-05-261h 02Youth Ministry Booster
Youth Ministry BoosterEpisode 29: The Summer Haul w/ Jody Livingston of The Longer HaulSend us a textWelcome to Episode 29: The Summer Haul. On this episode of After 9 Zac and Chad are happy to share the mic with a fellow student pastor and podcaster, Jody Livingston of The Longer Haul. Jody has been an advocate for youth ministers sticking it out and serving for the long term for an amazing tenure. Jody brings his wisdom and insight to you listeners. So enjoy this encouraging word about longevity in one of youth ministry's busiest seasons, summer! Jody has gifted After 9 listeners with a whole page of resources. Check them out @ thelongerhaul.com...
2016-05-2539 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH038: Getting the Most Out of a Youth Ministry ConferenceEver feel overwhelmed at a Youth Ministry Conference?  I know I do. There's always so much to do.  There's so much to see and hear.  Often times if I'm honest I come back more tired than when I left rather than being refreshed and encouraged.  Many times I even return a bit discouraged after hearing all of the things I feel like I should be doing in my ministry and can't do. Today, Rick Lawrence from Group Publishing and Simply Youth Ministry, shares some helpful tips to getting the most out of your next Youth Ministry Conference. And these aren't your...
2016-03-2445 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH037: Dealing with Expectations in Youth MinistryWhat kind of expectations do you find yourself having to navigate? In this episode we talk all about dealing with expectations in youth ministry.  We talk about what some of those expectations are, where they can come from, and what you can do when managing and dealing with expectations in youth ministry.  We also chat about the importance of networking and what the real purpose should be. Links mentioned: Expectations Youth Pastors Have For Churches on Day One 20 Youth Pastor Expectations that Churches Have on Day One After9Ministry podcast @ZacWorkun   Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Remind.com Audible.com - Grab...
2016-03-1751 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH036: Must Haves for Longevity in Youth MinistryWhen it comes to longevity in youth ministry there are many things that are important to consider.  If you fail to do so, you will never make it in youth ministry over the long haul. In today's episode you'll find out some crucial things you need to consider with it comes to your ministry.  These will make or break you. Links mentioned: Benchmarks in your Youth Ministry (blog post) Seasons in your Youth Ministry (podcast episode) Minivan by Foreknown @ChrisTrent YellowShoeTravel.com YM360 Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Consider This by Chris Trent #Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World Lio...
2016-02-181h 19Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH035: How to Set Goals in Youth MinistryKnowing how to set goals in Youth Ministry is extremely important.  Setting the right goals and setting them correctly is even more important. In today's episode you'll find how to set goals in your Youth Ministry.  These will help you stay encouraged and moving forward. Links mentioned: Benchmarks in your Youth Ministry (blog post) Seasons in your Youth Ministry (podcast episode) @jodyLivingston The Longer Haul on Facebook Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible Jesus, Continued...: Why the Spirit Inside You is Better than Jesus...
2016-01-0730 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH034: How to Read at Least One Book Every WeekIf you want to be an effective leader you MUST be a consistent reader.  Reading is one of the best (and cheapest) way to learn and grow.  Many struggle with reading consistently or at all though.  It is a worthwhile discipline to be learned. In today's episode you'll find how to build better reading habits and finish at least one book at week (if not more). Links mentioned: @jodyLivingston The Longer Haul on Facebook Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible Remember Everything You Read...
2015-12-1725 minYouth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH033: A Youth Ministry that Builds DisciplesWhat does it mean to really build disciples in your Youth Ministry?  What does it take? In today's episode Duffy Robbins joins me to talk about how to build a youth ministry that builds disciples. This is a great episode and is packed with lots of practical advice and how to's. Links mentioned: @duffyrobbins Eastern.edu Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Building a Ministry that Builds Disciples by Duffy Robbins The Ministry of Nurture by Duffy Robbins In this particular episode, you will learn: What real discipleship looks like in Youth Ministry The must haves every Youth Pastor and Youth Mini...
2015-11-2634 min